Oby Ezekwesili Calls for Independent Investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition
posted 6th March 2025
Oby Ezekwesili Calls for Independent Investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition
Former Minister of Education and human rights activist, Oby Ezekwesili, has issued a strong call to the Nigerian Senate, urging an independent investigation and public hearing into the petition raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement shared on social media, Ezekwesili emphasised that the petition must be handled with transparency and integrity. She called on the National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, to act in the interest of the Nigerian people rather than politicians.
Ezekwesili made two key demands:
The immediate appointment of an independent investigator to examine Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition.
The elevation of the Ethics and Privileges Committee’s proceedings on the petition to a public hearing for full disclosure and accountability.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, she stated that dismissing serious accusations against the Senate President, as was done in the chamber, was an affront to democracy and unacceptable.
Ezekwesili strongly criticised the handling of the matter in the Senate, where Senate President Akpabio presided over deliberations despite being the subject of the petition. She described the proceedings as “farcical” and a “blot on democracy,” asserting that public institutions must not be captured by individuals for personal advantage.
She stressed that the Nigerian people demand transparency in governance and urged lawmakers to act responsibly to protect the integrity of the Senate.
Adding a legal perspective, lawyer Abdul Mahmoud highlighted that sexual harassment is a crime under Section 360 of the Criminal Code, Section 285 of the Penal Code, and Section 46 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP). He urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to submit her rejected petition to the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to test their effectiveness in handling such allegations.
Concluding her statement, Ezekwesili called on the Senate to act urgently and correctly in handling Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition. She insisted that defending the institutional integrity of the Senate was in the best interest of the Nigerian public and democracy at large.
The call for an independent investigation has gained traction among civil society groups and the public, increasing pressure on the Senate to respond appropriately to the allegations and ensure due process is followed.
